If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brings together tender, smoky chicken with a luscious, sticky-sweet kick, the Smoked Pulled Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe transforms everyday chicken breasts into a mouthwatering delight with layers of flavor—from the tangy pickle juice brine to the rich honey garlic sauce enhanced by slow smoking. Every bite promises a perfect balance between smoky depth and sticky sweetness that will have you reaching for seconds and sharing the recipe with everyone you know.

A close-up view of a sandwich on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface beneath. The sandwich has three visible layers: a soft, golden brown top bun with a shiny, smooth texture; a layer of shredded light brown chicken filling that looks moist and tender; and a fresh, bright green leaf of lettuce sitting on the bottom bun which is soft and pale beige. The sandwich is the main focus with a blurred background showing another dish partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is both simple and crucial because each one plays a distinct role in creating the dish’s vibrant taste and texture. From the briny pickle juice to the perfectly spiced rub and the buttery honey garlic sauce, these ingredients work in harmony to elevate the chicken to new heights.

3 Pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): The lean base that absorbs all the smoky, sweet, and savory flavors beautifully.
2 Cups pickle juice: A zesty, acidic brine that tenderizes and infuses the chicken with tangy undertones.
¼ Cup salt: Essential for the brine to draw moisture and balance the flavors throughout the meat.
3 Teaspoons garlic (minced): Adds upfront savory punch to the brine.
1 Bulb garlic (whole bulb): Roasted slowly to release mellow, sweet notes that compliment the honey sauce.
2 Tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the garlic moist during roasting and enhances aroma.
1 Teaspoon sea salt: For seasoning the garlic, locking in flavor.
1 Cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle depth when reheating the shredded chicken.
1 Teaspoon brown sugar: Provides a hint of caramel sweetness to the rub.
2 Teaspoons mustard powder: Contributes a gentle tang and complexity.
2 Teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor throughout the chicken.
1 Teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the rub with mild sweetness.
1 Teaspoon chili powder: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering.
1 Teaspoon salt: Balances the seasoning in the rub.
1 Teaspoon black pepper (fresh cracked): Fresh spice for lively flavor.
½ Cup butter (salted): The luscious base of the honey garlic sauce.
½ Cup hot sauce (chili garlic flavored): For that addictive kick that wakes up the sauce.
½ Cup honey: Sweetens and thickens the sauce with natural richness.
1 Tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the honey garlic sauce perfectly.
1 Tablespoon water: Used to activate the cornstarch for smooth sauce consistency.

How to Make Smoked Pulled Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brine the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a casserole dish. Mix pickle juice, salt, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Pour this brine over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged, then let it soak for 1 hour. This step is essential because the brine not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses an irresistible tangy flavor that sets the tone for the entire dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Smoker and Garlic

Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, prepare the garlic by peeling away the loose outer layers, then slice off the top quarter inch to expose the cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the garlic and sprinkle with sea salt. Place the bulb face-up in a small cast iron skillet and set it aside to roast alongside the chicken later, which will mellow the garlic’s bite and bring out a creamy sweetness.

Step 3: Mix the Chicken Rub

In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This rub is where the chicken gains its layers of smoky heat, subtle sweetness, and savory depth, working beautifully with the smoky flavor from the smoker.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Once the chicken has brined, remove it and pat dry with paper towels to ensure the rub sticks well. Generously coat both sides of each breast with the seasoning mix. The rub forms a delicious crust as the chicken smokes, locking in moisture while adding flavor complexity.

Step 5: Smoke the Chicken and Garlic

Place the seasoned chicken breasts and the prepared garlic bulb onto the smoker. After one hour, remove the garlic—the roasting concentrates its natural sweetness. Using a fork, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of the bulb and mash them into a creamy paste; this will later star in your honey garlic sauce.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in the roasted garlic paste, chili garlic hot sauce, and honey. Whisk everything together and cook gently for about five minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan, stirring continuously. Continue to simmer the sauce for another five minutes until it thickens to that perfect sticky consistency which will coat the shredded chicken deliciously.

Step 8: Continue Smoking the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the smoker after 90 minutes. Add it to a Dutch oven along with the chicken broth, but leave the lid off. Return the Dutch oven to the smoker and continue to smoke the chicken uncovered, allowing moisture to infuse and keep the meat tender.

Step 9: Smoke the Sauce and Final Steps

Place the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce into the smoker to warm and absorb subtle smokiness for 30 minutes. Shred the chicken and toss it thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce. Spread the sauced chicken on a baking sheet and return it to the smoker for an additional 45 minutes. This final step lets the flavors meld into a tender, smoky, glossy pulled chicken that’s simply unforgettable.

How to Serve Smoked Pulled Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

A large white bowl filled with shredded, light brown cooked meat that has a moist texture and some darker brown edges. A metal meat shredder tool with two handles rests inside the bowl, partially sunk in the shredded meat. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a yellow textured cloth nearby and part of a white bowl with creamy coleslaw visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate this dish wonderfully. A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a mild crunch and vibrant color, while a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley provides a burst of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This smoked pulled chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides. Creamy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch, roasted vegetables bring earthiness, and a crisp garden salad balances out the smoky, sweet chicken perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or corn on the cob.

Creative Ways to Present

Use your smoked pulled chicken to make standout dishes like piled-high sandwiches with toasted brioche buns, slathered in extra honey garlic sauce and topped with crunchy pickles. Or transform it into a vibrant salad topper, taco filling, or even a pizza base to impress guests with smoky-sweet flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover smoked pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays juicy and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a fun addition to other recipes during the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the pulled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. Portion it out in meal-sized amounts for easy thawing. It freezes well for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving directly without moisture to prevent drying out this tender, flavorful pulled chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicier during smoking, which can add richness to your pulled chicken. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to reach the proper internal temperature.

What type of wood is best for smoking this chicken?

Fruit woods like apple or cherry are excellent choices because they provide a mild, slightly sweet smoke that complements the honey garlic sauce without overpowering it.

Is it necessary to brine the chicken?

While not mandatory, brining adds significant moisture and flavor, ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy after the long smoking process. It’s a simple step that truly elevates the final taste.

Can I make the honey garlic sauce without roasting garlic?

Roasted garlic offers a sweeter, mellow flavor that makes the sauce special, but if you’re short on time, you can use raw minced garlic—just reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overpowering the sauce.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is moderate, balanced by the honey’s sweetness. If you prefer less spice, reduce the chili garlic hot sauce or omit the chili powder in the rub. For more heat, feel free to add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Pulled Chicken with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels comforting and special all at once. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend meal, offering a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that are irresistibly satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find that this flavorful pulled chicken becomes your new favorite go-to recipe to wow friends and family!